Simply put – Canada has a lot to offer.
In January 2018, Destination Canada reported a total of 898K international arrivals into Canada. People from all over the world are listing Canada as a bucket list destination for its pristine beauty, friendly culture and fantastic adventure opportunities.
For us Canadians, we sometimes look elsewhere for our getaways, when in fact our backyard has an abundance of travel itineraries waiting to be discovered.
At TierOne Travel we assembled a poll to determine our travel specialists’ top locations to travel within Canada.
The results are in! Here are the top Canadian destinations:
1. Tofino
Vancouver Island is a gold mine for natural beauty, and Tofino is the epicenter. Untouched beaches, over 20 hiking trails, crisp sunsets and majestic wildlife are perfectly paired with a quaint surfer town. Tofino is packed with gourmet cuisine inspired by the West Coast and natural wellness options. There is also a wide range of accommodation in Tofino from luxury hotels like Wickaninnish Inn, which offers whale watching from the in-room hot tub, to local bed and breakfast perfectly nestled in the rainforest. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in Tofino.
2. Victoria
Victoria is just a beautiful ferry ride away from Vancouver or a 4.5-hour drive from Tofino. Located on Vancouver Island, travellers to Victoria often say that they feel “miles away from the mainland.” The city vibe of Victoria is unique to itself, boasting world-class museums, restaurants, and parks. Enjoy a day biking through the inner harbour, exploring high tea at the Fairmont Empress and local shopping at Historical Cook Street Village. Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, is a good match for any kind of traveller.
3. Banff
Banff is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream come true. Home to Lake Louise and the world famous outdoor hot springs, you will not find yourself short of things to do in this heartwarming mountain town. Enjoying hiking into the Canadian Rockies, or strolling through the truly Canadian town, where elk sightings are a daily occurrence. Banff also offers many festivals year-round, adding to the draw of this small, yet vibrant town just 1.5 hours west of Calgary.
4. PEI
If you are into photography, Prince Edward Island will keep you very busy. One beautiful vista after another, from the jagged coastline to the farmland interior, Prince Edward Island offers you a glimpse of authentic Canadian beauty. Also authentic to the region is fresh seafood. PEI is renowned for its lobster and trust us when we say there is no shortage of shellfish anywhere on the island.
5. Montreal
Montreal is a big city with a twist. Buzzing with things to do and big city feels, all partnered with a strong culture and offering plenty of options for plain old fun. The city loves festivals, delicious food, and art…. How can you go wrong with that combination?! Unofficially named the cuisine capital of Canada, there are many restaurants to experience including our favourite Café Parvis and Liverpool House. Like most big cities, there is an extensive range of accommodations and an established public transportation system, making this a great destination for all travellers.
Where will you zip off to first this summer?
Our team of travel specialists can work with you to create a dream itinerary. Whether your vacation is a long weekend or a month-long trip, it should encompass all the things that bring YOU joy and excitement in this beautiful country.
